Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Introducing...MANN SHOW November!

November 1 (Wed). SHOW OF PLENTY performers announced. Each must initial his/her name on the list posted on the stage door (400 Hall) to accept their spot.

November 3 (Fri). MANN SHOW Leadership Team Meeting immediately after school in the Auditorium.

November 4 (Sat). MANN SHOW Work Day, 10 AM - 2 PM in the Auditorium.

Film Criticism: REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, November 6-13.

November 6 (Mon). SHOW PLENTY Production meeting. Immediately after school in the Auditorium.

November 7 (Tue). NO SCHOOL! 18 and older, vote!

November 8 (Wed). MANN SHOW Membership Meeting immediately after school in the Auditorium.

November 9 (Thu). PRODUCTION TEAM Meeting immediately after school in the Auditorium.

November 10 (Fri). THE WIZARD OF OZ at Woodmont High School, 7:00 PM.

November 12 (Sun). See Coach White in the Furman Theatre production of AN EVENING WITH IVES at The Playhouse, at 3:00 PM.

November 13 (Mon). MANN SHOW 2007 Members have been invited to attend a dress rehearsal of Chekhov’s THE SEAGULL at North Greenville University, 7:00 PM.

November 13-17. Canned goods accepted in the Auditorium. Three cans donated receives one admission to the SHOW OF PLENTY.

Film Criticism: RUNNING ON EMPTY, November 14-20.

November 15 (Wed). SHOW OF PLENTY Technical Rehearsal. 4-6 PM in the Auditorium. All crew must attend.

November 16 (Thu). SHOW OF PLENTY Dress Rehearsal. 4-6 in the Auditorium. All crew and cast must attend.

November 17 (Fri). The first-ever SHOW OF PLENTY student variety show takes place at 7:00 PM in the J.L. Mann Auditorium. A collaboration of the entire J.L. Mann Fine Arts team, the show will serve as a catalyst to collect canned foods. Admission cost is three cans of food.

November 18 (Sat). THE CRUCIBLE at Blue Ridge High School, 7:00 PM.

Also in November…local actor Tiffany Nave plans to stop by and add her name to the growing list of artists-in-residence who have shared their experiences in the theatre and signed the Auditorium stage.

Film Criticism: THE SEVENTH SEAL, November 27 – December 1.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

New York City Summer 2007?

O.K.

Just a question for your feedback.

If MANN SHOW 2007 sponsored a four or five day trip to New York City this summer...a journey into the world of New York theatre (and possibly film)...a trip that might cost each student upwards of $1,200...would you be interested in going?

We've been invited to tag along with a group of students from my high school in Columbia (Irmo) as they take a theatre tour of New York. I've gone with the Irmo group before. It's an amazing trip. But it's expensive.

Again, just taking a survey right now: are you interested in a New York Trip this year?

Monday, October 23, 2006

In Todd We Trust

Thanks a million to Todd, Janet, and Jennifer (from Todd Inc. Hair Studio on Washington Street) for giving us an unforgettable last Thursday AM in the Auditorium.

Todd generously cut five heads in a circus/rock show atmosphere that demonstrated how hair design may be used to illuminate character. I know that there were at least 150 students there--most of whom weren't even drama students!

Guys, it's cool people like Todd and Janet that remind me why I do what I do: I want to see you guys living fascinating lives some day...lives filled with imagination, possibility, and great hair.

Know this: there are more super-cool guests coming to the Auditorium stage! Stay tuned...

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Drama Scab Wanted

Every four to six weeks (an average) I skip a day of school and go off to some gathering of artists and/or teachers to learn how to be a better drama teacher. Sometimes I speak, sometimes I listen, but everytime I feel a little sad that I'm missing my students at school. I don't like knowing that you guys are there doing stuff and I'm missing it.

Not unlike an ex-boyfriend who is creepily obsessed with you.

This Monday (tomorrow) I will be in Camden speaking to the arts team at a Kershaw county school district in-service training day. My topic will be how to build business partneships and promote your arts program in the community. As such, I'm going to be missing you guys.

Here's my question: what qualities should I be looking for in a substitute teacher when I am gone?

Yes, I know you would enjoy having a completely blithering idiot to run roughshod over. But that is not the MANN SHOW way. Each day counts. We haven't time to waste. I need to find teachers who can both manage the classroom and imaginatively contribute to the on-going discussion. I need a sub (or subs) that I can count on to do something when I am gone.

I am open to your suggestions; both for qualities I should look for and actual suggestions.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

OBEY THE BLOG!

Watch this video over and over. At least a dozen times...back to back.

Now...do my bidding, you mindless meat puppet!

Saturday, October 07, 2006

How To Dismantle a Messianic Rock Star

MANN SHOW 2007 members are invited to attend Coach White's Thursday night presentation at Coffee Underground.

How to Dismantle a Messianic Rock Star begins at 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 12 in the theater at Coffee Underground. Coach White will lead a discussion of U2 frontman, Bono; his music, message, and impact. There is no fee for this event.

The event is sponsored by Greenville's The Caleb Group, an organization that presents lectures, discussions, and events about arts and literature throughout the year.

The Caleb Group's frontman, Johnny Price, recently spoke to Film Criticism students at J.L. Mann about the film, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID.